Thailand PM calls of Nov. elections, cuts off power to Red Shirts

Bangkok - The Thailand Prime Minister has called off the proposed November elections and has ordered the Red Shirt protesters to end demonstrations by Wednesday. The Prime Minister has also considered cutting off electricity and water to the Red Shirts.

On Wednesday, the government of Thailand announced that it will not hold elections in November and have ended talks with Red Shirt protesters, according to Reuters. Prime Minister Abhist Vejjajiva ordered the demonstrators to end their protests in Bangkok and if not, forced will be used. At first the government said it would cut power and water to the area but realized that it would hurt the local businesses and the ritzy Bangkok district instead. The Prime Minister then decided to cut off transportation methods for those who travel by taxis or cars, while also diverting some public transportation as well but “Details are still being worked out,” according to army spokesperson Sansern Kaewkamnerd. Originally, a government source said the Center for Resolution of the Emergency Situation would cut power and water supply to the Rajprasong area in order to coerce the Red Shirts to leave the area. “I consider the end of the protest as a pre-requisite if they want to show their acceptance of the road map. If the protest continues, it means they say no to the road map,” said the Thai Prime Minister. Asia One reports that the Red Shirts will not comply with the government and will continue to rally until their demands are met. Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan said there have been many deaths of protesters so “nothing can stop the red people. How can we stop as the murderers are walking freely?” The leader further said, in regards to the government’s threats, that they generate their own power and if the Prime Minister were to cut off water then he would affect half of the city, “So we do not care about the government’s threat.” Last week, the Red Shirts agreed to the Prime Minister’s offer of November elections but later added that they wanted the Deputy Premier to face criminal charges, which prompted the government to recant their offer, reports the Associated Press. “If petty issues keep being brought up, it's not going to end, because the government isn't going to compromise,” said Abhist.